senior centers

New Models Task Force: History

NISC Chair Bob Pitman initiated

March 2006: Task Force formed

Fall 2006: research launched Spring 2007: update at

ASA/NCOA Conference Spring 2008: final report at

ASA/NCOA Conference

© 2008, Copyright NISC

Photo: Senior Center (Charlottesville, VA) member in branding campaign


New Models Task Force: Purpose

Identify examples of new models in the senior center field

Envision senior centers of the future

Position NISC as the leader in defining the 21st century senior center

Disseminate what we learned Photo: Senior Center (Charlottesville VA)members in branding campaign

New Models: Task Force Composition

21 members 6 NISC delegates; 2

former delegates Geographic: CT, MA,

RI, PA, MD, VA, SC, TN, AR, MI, IN, MN, UT, WA

Rural, Suburban, Urban Diversity in size,

funding, structure


Photo: OPC Center (Rochester, MI)

New Models: Research Methods

Develop criteria Identify best practices and define

typology. Not identifying ‘The’ best Research: web survey, interviews

with ‘thought leaders,’ NISC, state aging departments and senior center association leaders

Identify senior centers, interview, write case studies

When in doubt we have been inclusive rather than exclusive to allow you to evaluate what is relevant for you


Photo: NorthShore (Bothell, WA) Fitness Center

New Models: Criteria for Inclusion

Approach Innovative Significant Sustainable Replicable Measurable


Photo: North Shore (Bothell, WA) Bocce

New Models: Type Overview


Types overlapTerms are imperfect

Centers of Excellence Community Center Wellness Center Lifelong Learning/Arts Continuum of Care/Transitions The Next Chapter Entrepreneurial Café

Photo: Mentoring at Madison (WI) Senior Center

New Models:Centers of Excellence


Those that work to meet the highest standards of excellence, primarily as identified by NISC accreditation

State association of senior centers accreditation Nonprofit centers that meet state nonprofit standards For nonprofit and governmental centers, the Malcolm

Baldrige National Quality Award Directors with higher education and/or management

certificates Continuous improvement, adaptability, strategic

management to remain excellent

Accumulation of 20 years of best practice experience by National Advisory Committee

Covers nine areas: purpose, community, governance, administration and human resources, program planning, evaluation, fiscal management, records and reports, facility

Standards trainers available to assist Two-tiered process: self-assessment, peer review

(on- and off-site) Assemble accreditation manual Fee based on budget + reviewer expenses


NISC Accreditation

New Models:Centers of Excellence

Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership & Management

NISC Accreditation and Re-Accreditation MN Nonprofit Excellence Award Certified Senior Advisor designation Meets Charities Review Council

Standards Community Leadership Role beyond

Senior Center www.ffsenior.org


Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program, Inc.

Fergus Falls, MN

New Models: Case StudyCenters of Excellence

Photo: Fergus Falls Adopt-a-Class program

City government (Parks & Recreation) Led community in statewide

initiative: Communities for a Lifetime Involves/benefits all community

stakeholders (youth, adult, caregivers, seniors)

Stop migration from rural areas to urban areas to access services

Demonstrate leadership, civic-mindedness

www.coralsprings.org/seniorprograms


Sartory Senior CenterCoral Springs, FL

New Models: Case StudyCenters of Excellence

Photo: Manzano Mesa (NM) multi-generational program

Provides planning, evaluation roadmap, risk management

Credibility, accountability, quality assurance, consistency

Inspiration-pride, morale Increased Public Relations:

recognition, prestige, image, professionalism, press


Impact

New Models: Centers of Excellence

Photo: Fergus Falls (MN) receives state excellence award

Funding-increased/continued Builds/increases strategic

partnerships, programming Organized process, objective Stakeholder involvement,

development, educates, increases participation

Success breeds success


Impact

New Models: Centers of Excellence

Photo: Gov. Mark Warner (VA) applauds Senior Center (Charlottesville, VA) NISC accreditation

Centers of Excellence: Other Examples


NISC accreditation www.ncoa.org/nisc Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers

accreditation www.wiseniorcenters.org Massachusetts Council On Aging,

certification of professionals www.mcoaonline.com

New Models: Community Center

Diverse and comprehensive programming Programming to be offered at multiple sites through

partnerships, e.g. ‘Centers Beyond Walls’ Provide inclusive programming and activities for all ages and

abilities A state-of-the-art health and fitness center Programs that encompass health, recreational, educational,

cultural, nutritional and social service needs Consistent and intensive program evaluation and needs

assessments Alternative names instead of ‘Senior Center’


Program created by public process

City funded 30-60 events per day, 1,000

visits per day, off-site events 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to 9 or 10

p.m., Partners (e.g. medical, schools)

National/international recognition

www.fcgov.com/recreation/seniorcenter © 2008, Copyright NISC

New Models: Case StudyCommunity Center

Fort Collins Senior CenterFort Collins, CO

Photo: Ft. Collins Fitness Center

37,000 sq. ft. facility Programs for youth through seniors Senior use high in a.m. to early p.m.

Community use high in evening Needs community buy-in for shared

space Large number of strategic

partnerships City, federal funding

www.cabq.gov/seniors/centers/manzano-mesamultigenerational-center/


New Models: Case StudyCommunity Center

Manzano Mesa Multi-generational Center

Albuquerque, NM

Photo: Manzano Mesa water park


Centers that don’t say ‘Senior.’ Avenidas, ‘New Roads for Older Adults’

www.avenidas.org 55 Kip Center, ‘Building Bridges to Successful Aging’

www.55kipcenter.org Mill Park Center, ‘A Community Center for Active Adults’

www.seniorcenterservices.com Vesper Hall, ‘We Add Quality to Life’

www.bluespringsgov.com/vesper Evergreen Commons, ‘Helping Adults get the Most out of Life’

www.evergreencommons.org PEAK Center, ‘People Experiencing Activity, Arts and Knowledge’

www.peakcenter.org


It’s the “IN” thing to do: intergenerational program opportunities, integrated leisure activities, inclusive

Gives taxpayers and other stakeholders the most bang for their buck

Best utilization of facility throughout the day Serves large segment of population, including

seniors who may not go to a ‘senior center’ Cost sharing results in cost savings Quality facilities promote quality programs Appealing to Boomers who resist ‘senior centers’


Impact


Photo: OPC Center atrium

Community Center:Other Examples

Goodrich-Gannet Neighborhood Centerwww.ggnc.org

Fairhill Center for Agingwww.fairhill.org


New Models: Wellness Center


Use of evidence-based health promotion models. Consistent use of evaluation tools Significant collaborations A state-of-the-art health and fitness center Steady participation in health-related research protocols Use of innovative technology and current knowledge to

promote health Coordination with healthcare professionals

To attract adults 55-70 Partnerships: Towson University

(research, staffing), Erickson Communities Continuing Care

Funding: University (research, staffing), Center Council (equipment), Dept. of Aging

Surprise! Fitness center users over 75 years of age

www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/aging/centers/


New Models: Case StudyWellness Center

Baltimore County Senior CentersBaltimore, MD

Photo: Cockeysville (Balitmore Cty) Fitness center

Funded 1/3 mill levy, 1/3 fund raising and grants, 1/3 service fees, charges

Serves three communities State-of-the-art fitness facility: lap &

therapeutic pools, gyms, deck, garden, more

More than doubled visits per day first year (700)

Partners with university and hospital Operates 13 mini-buses

www.opcseniorcenter.org© 2008, Copyright NISC


OPC CenterRochester, MI

Photo: OPC Center



Center in the ParkPhiladelphia, PA

Evidence-based health promotion programs: In Touch, Beat the Blues, Harvest Health, Healthy Steps

Partners with Thomas Jefferson University’s Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health

Working on sustainability business plan for Harvest Health, a chronic disease self-management program

www.centerinthepark.orgPhoto: Tai Chi at Center in the Park

Better outcome measurement through evidence-based programs

Increase senior’s physical and mental health

Ability to measurably promote independent lifestyles of seniors

Partnerships with professional organizations

Raise professionalism of senior centers Attract younger seniors


Impact

New Models: Wellness Centers

Photo: OPC (Rochester, MI) entrance

New Models: Wellness Center


Lowcountry Senior Center, Evidence-Based Wellness Programswww.roperstfrancis.org/seniorcenter

North Shore (IL) Senior Center, Large Fitness Centerwww.nssc.org

North Shore (WA) Senior Center, New Fitness Centerwww.northshoreseniorcenter.org

Monroe Center for Healthy Aging, Healthy Aging Alliancewww.monroectr.org

Elsie Stuhr Senior Center, ICAA Senior Fitness Testwww.thprd.org/facilities/estuhr.cfm

Rogers Adult Wellness Center www.rogersarkansas.com/wellnesscenter/

New Models: Lifelong Learning/Arts


Programs and activities offered on multiple sites Focus on intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and

enhanced quality of life Culturally and linguistically diverse Highly skilled, competent and experienced cadre of staff

and volunteers Programs that are inclusive, comprehensive and

innovative Celebrating the exploration of our creative selves

Funding: National Council of Jewish Women, School District, City, County, State

Intellectual, social, cultural enrichment Self-sustaining through fees. Partner

with school district: provide advertising, classrooms

3-session classes Interview instructors to assess skill level

Georgiana Wolfson, Executive Director516-374-4747, [email protected]


New Models: Case StudyLifelong Learning/Arts

The New Center for LearningFive Towns Senior Center

Woodmere, NY

Photo: St. Barnabas (CA) Cyber Cafe

Enhances partner’s programming and facility use by offering senior programs

More (new) seniors access services because of off-site location

Stimulating brain-fitness program helps keep minds alert

Increases partnership opportunities with other agencies (libraries, arts organizations)


Impact

New Models: Lifelong Learning/Arts

Photo: Senior Center (Charlottesville, VA) branding campaign

Lifelong Learning/Arts:Other Examples


Center for the Arts, Nashville, TNwww.seniorarts.org

Whitney Senior Centerwww.ci.stcloud.mn.us/CommSvcs/Whitney/Default.aspx

North Carolina Center for Creative Aging, Ashville, NCwww.unca.edu/nccr

Center for Creative Agingwww.creativeaging.org

New Models: Continuum of Care/Transitions


Senior centers will play a vital role as the focal points of coordination of information, access and service delivery to the aging population.

Comprehensive services and programs that meet the changing needs of consumers as they “age-in-community”.

State-of-the art services that are characterized by incremental, as well as structured plans that allow for greater resources and focus as participants age.

Services/Programs grounded in evidence-based theory and practice. Inter-disciplinary, comprehensive collaboration with healthcare

institutions, healthcare providers, AAA’s, State Offices of Aging and Mental Health, researchers, educational institutions and community-based service providers to create a unique system of care.

Home-based membership services One-call resource with concierge level service:

health and wellness, daily living, arts and culture, community connections

Access and discounts with pre-screened vendors Medical transportation Daily telephone check-in Free emergency preparedness review Member-only forum, activities, directory Volunteer opportunities

www.avenidas.org


Avenidas VillagePalo Alto, CA

New Models: Case StudyContinuum of Care/Transitions

Photo: Avenidas Village in action

Respite Care Integration into senior center

activities Transportation Integrating with regular members Geriatric Nursing aides,

Coordinator, P/T Social Worker

www.aacc.edu/seniors/centers.cfm


Ann Arundel County MarylandSenior Center Plus Program


Photo: Fergus Falls (MN) lunch time

Clinical and Social Continuum of Care Healthcare Clinic within a Senior

Center – provides rent to the Senior Center

Critical healthcare services in a rural setting

Open to all community members Staffed by LPN, NPs and Physician’s

Assistant

www.saintjosephs.com/services/occupational/


St. Joseph’s McAuley Center and Express Care Clinic

Hot Springs, Arkansas


Serves as a conduit for community-based seniors

Promotes independent living Introduces community members and

seniors to the Senior Center Creates a foundation for a Continuum

of Care (very preliminary) Increases viability of the role and

impact of senior centers (even as members age)


Impact

New Models: Continuum of Care/Transitions

The Next Chapter


Civic Ventures research illustrates that Americans in the second half of life – regardless of income, educational level, or

race – want to:

•explore options for the next stage of life •pursue educational interests to retool skills or obtain new training•use their skills and experience in flexible work or service opportunities •make meaningful connections with their peers and their community

New Models: The Next Chapter


The Next Chapter model helps people navigate the transitions of the second half of life with an emphasis on civic engagement and meaningful work.

Life planning programs to explore future possibilities and set goals.

Engagement through paid work and volunteer service to help find meaning and purpose.

Continued learning for new direction, enrichment and retooling.

Peer and community connections of all ages.

Project Consultants for Nonprofits (PCN)

NCOA Wisdom Works, Self-Directed Volunteer Teams

Developing volunteer database, match volunteers with area nonprofits


Newark Senior Center Newark, Delaware

New Models: Case StudyThe Next Chapter

www.newarkseniorcenter.org

Training: Nonprofit 101, Self-Directed Teams, How to be a Good Consultant, How to be an Effective Board Member

Developed a marketing plan, wrote rental contracts, re-wrote a volunteer manual, developed a disaster recovery plan, and assisted a senior center with the NISC accreditation process


Newark Senior Center

New Models: Case StudyThe Next Chapter

Program launched in 2007 and now being evaluated. Volunteers engaged, leadership roles, limited staff

involvement, affordable, replicable. Illustrates to community that 50+ adults give more

than they take and are a resource for all. Need:

Patience as it takes time to develop volunteer teams.

Staff who can let go and empower. Collaborations: RSVP, DE Office of Volunteerism,

Delaware’s Center for Community Research and Service. (provided training in nonprofits)


Impact and Replicability


Photo: Senior Services (Columbus, IN)

Senior Products-hobby venture became subcontract manufacturing operation

Temporary employment service Self-supporting w/potential to generate

real income Partnership with staffing company Partnerships w/area employers Write a well-developed business plan

www.seniorcenterservices.com


Senior Center Services of Bartholomew County

Columbus, IN

New Models: Case Study The Next Chapter

Photo: Senior Center Services Senior Products at work

Seniors feel a sense of purpose, productive, vital

Seniors feel physical and mental health is better

Seniors enjoy making new friends, camaraderie of professional work environment

Vital community resource is mobilized by using senior’s skills

Better senior buy-in to projects when choosing their own to work on

Volunteer services no-cost to nonprofits


Impact


Photo: Senior Center Services, Bartholomew County, IN

The Next ChapterOther Examples


www.CivicVentures.org/NextChapter Fergus Falls Senior Center (MN) senior employment

program www.ffsenior.org Coming Of Age (PA) Philadelphia. “Inspiring Opportunities

for adults over 50” www.comingofage.org Senior Center, Inc (VA) The Next Chapter

www.seniorcenterinc.org/next NorthShore Senior Center (IL) Life Options. www.nssc.org Mesa (AZ) Life Options

www.mc.maricopa.edu/community/communityed/crs_mlo.htm

New Models:Entrepreneurial


Philanthropic funding Creative structuring Generating earned income Position in the marketplace Open non-traditional hours Uses strategic management and continuous improvement Uses technology to enhance effectiveness and efficiency Contemporary, ‘hip’ facilities that are new or remodeled

HUD ‘pre-award’ CBDG funding for 40,000 sq. ft. opened in 2006

Contemporary design: glass, steel, stone, digital screens

Designed for today and the future. Non-institutional, not a ‘step away from a nursing home’

‘Corridors of Life’ for continuum of care Citizen Planning Committees vital to facility

development

www.co.dekalb.ga.us/humanserv/lou.htm


Lou Walker Senior CenterLithonia, GA

New Models: Case StudyEntrepreneurial

Photo: Lou Walker courtyard

Roper St. Francis-Community Health Care/City of Charleston

Positioning, Branding, Marketing

www.roperstfrancis.org/seniorcenter


New Models: EntrepreneurialLowcountry Senior Center, Charleston, SC

No government funding 50% philanthropy: (individual,

foundations, corporate) 50% earned income: member and

program dues/fees, newsletter ads, facility rental

Focus on position in community, ad campaigns

www.seniorcenterinc.org


Senior Center, Inc.Charlottesville, VA


Photo: Senior Center branding campaign

Nonprofit New center built with HUD grant and

private donations 94% funding: donations, meal program

fees, thrift store, fund raising, bingo, travel club commissions

6% funding: City and county grants

Patti Proctor, Executive Director, 541-772-2273


Medford Senior CenterMedford, OR


Photo: Medford fishing trip

Increased control of funding Greater independence through self-

sufficiency Independence allows for adaptability

in a rapidly changing environment Increased financial security Increased program stability and

sustainability Increased sense of ownership


Impact

New Models: Entrepreneurial

Photo:

MySeniorCenter data base program Store participant information and

program statistics Scan card system User-friendly program selection All senior centers can use

www.myseniorcenter.com


South Brunswick Senior Center

Monmouth Junction, NJ


La Fetra Center for SeniorsGlendora, CA

Frees staff time for seniors instead of paperwork

Prepares reports with a click of a button

Scan card serves as ID in case of emergency

Company receptive to suggestions for improvement


Impact

New Models: Entrepreneurial

Iowa City (IA) and Madison (WI) produce their own TV shows. http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/senior/facilities.htmlhttp://icsctv.uiowa.edu/

Evergreen Commons (MI) private fitness club subsidiary. www.evergreencommons.com

Sunshine Center (FL) on-site pharmacy www.stpete.org/seniors


EntrepreneurialOther Examples

New Models: Café


Retail approach Café is centerpiece Programs offered in

addition to café Smaller,

neighborhood-based

Photo: Mather Cafe

Award-winning concept and design Neighborhood-based, retail orientation Address needs of lower- and working-middle

class An experience open to entire community Warm, inviting, “ageless” environment Programs geared for age 55+ Consumer driven menu and services Licensed as required

www.matherlifeway.com


Mather LifeWaysChicago IL

New Models: Case StudyCafé

Photo: Mather Café

Attracts younger seniors (60% are 69 or younger)

Dream training provides extraordinary customer experience

Engages participants to improve quality of life, personal enrichment

Provides/promotes good nutrition Social connections stave off cognitive

decline Promotes partnerships w/agencies

focused on independent lifestyles and connecting older adults to resources


Impact

New Models:Café

Photo: Mather Cafe

Winner of the ASA MindAlert Award. An independent nonprofit, founded in 1908 n

downtown Los Angeles Helps low income and non-English speaking elders

“cross the digital divide.” Broad sociological approach, rather than a narrow

technological approach. One-on-one, customized instruction in 5 languages. Spin-off project: a Film Making Initiative, which uses

volunteer film professionals to teach seniors to shoot their own films, edit and digitize them.

www.saintb-la.org/Cyber_Cafe.html


Borchardt Cyber CaféSt. Barnabas Senior Center, Los Angeles


Photo: St. Barnabas Cyber Café Film Fest

Computer labs isolate, focusing on the computer Cyber Café is a lifestyle of learning, using computers to

reach broader goals of Healthy Living by: Creating a supportive social environment, where

learning is experiential and community is as important as content

Respecting adult learning styles by teaching students what they wish to learn, and encouraging them to explore creative possibilities

Making technology dynamic, by making it available in its infinite variety, e.g., webcams, games, shopping, downloading music, information seeking, blogging, digital photography, film making


Borchardt Cyber CaféSt. Barnabas Senior Center (SBSC) Los

Angeles


Photo: Enjoying the Cyber Café

New Models: Common Themes


Collaborative – involve variety of agencies Responsive – monitor the pulse of

changing needs/desires/demographics Accountable – to funders, those served Innovative/Creative – embrace change,

think outside the box Passionate – motivated, driven to excel

New Models: Dissemination Plans


This power point is on NCOA and NISC web site Available to present at state senior center or related

conferences Final written report to be submitted January 2009 Considering DVD or CD with photos, marketing examples,

etc.

Questions? Seeking volunteers to join the Task Force to disseminate

our findings

senior centers

Health & Medicine